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Echo Us

Interviewed by Gary Hill
Interview with EM of Echo Us From 2009
MSJ:
It is difficult for me to describe the different views I can take of the music of Echo Us. As for my overall perspective of my whole life of making music- I would say it's always been an interest in the atmospheres of electronics and the organic and acoustic quality of more traditional instruments and voices coming together in union.
MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2009  Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.
MSJ: If you weren't involved in music, what do you think you'd be doing?
a)      back with my true self

 

b)     a rich orthodontist

 

 

 

But actually more practically I enjoy graphic arts to some degree as well as photography. When I work I am a ridiculous multi-tasker and like everything that changes – fast.

MSJ: Are there musicians you'd like to play with in the future?
There used to be. To be honest the kind of work I do these days is a lot different than getting together for a rehearsal. I do field recording, I gather sound. I go out in the world on my own and find things. It's a lot harder to do because there is not a formal "band" involved with a set schedule and delineated responsibilities, but it can be more rewarding in many ways too. I can take responsibility for things and take the hard way, the long way. And in the end I can only say that what I did with it was the result of the energy flowing through my veins - it's not directly reliant on anyone or anything else, in that direct human-creative sense at least. I feel I've become a much more appreciative of so many things and people by doing this. I know all the work that goes into every part, performance, every development of an idea. On another hand, I can't be a victim or blame others now either. It is my own responsibility to be a servant to the music, if I chose to. And if I chose to I must do all I can to complete the task - make it be exactly what it wants to be - as downloaded from the minds eye.
MSJ: Who do you see as your musical influences?
So many! Yet lately it gets to be fewer in a sense, only because I work on music for such extended periods that I don't listen as much as I'd like. When I take time out I don't listen too much in other words. But I'd say it's always been everyone from (old) Metallica to Alan Holdsworth and Alex Skolnick, to Bjork, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream- if I have to pick a few for now.
MSJ: Do you think that downloading of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? It's been said by the major labels that it's essentially the heart of all the problems they are having in terms of lower sales - would you agree?
They are not lying- but that doesn't mean they have the answer. I am sure you can blame the music as much as the listener. I am not a fan of either side in this debate at this point.

I will say that supply and demand is not meeting up. There is way too much music that is unfortunately only subsidized by the musicians themselves (whether they be indie and unknown or on a major label). There is a lot of music out there too. And maybe a great lot of it has little connective value beyond making the "Yes Men" happy and keeping your friends on your side. I absolutely hate culture as a defining point around which music and art must swirl. It always amounts to fast food garbage followed by gas - and that goes for a lot of independent music too. Once you realize that you are not defined by what you chose to listen too, create or what have you in this life it all becomes pretty irrelevant what people think of you - and then freedom is perhaps a little closer.

MSJ: In a related question how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading them?
If the artist/performer wants that than why not?
MSJ: What's ahead for you?
Completing production on the sequel to The Tide Decides. I have been relying on channeled material for some time and await the next peak opportunity for that kind of creative indulgence. Unfortunately I never know exactly when this is. In the time in between I will try and take some pictures - a walk in the forest.
MSJ: What was the last CD you bought, or what have you been listening to lately?
Lately I've been listening again to a bit of Qntal and Patrick O'hearn's Glaciation album. I really only listen when driving these days, but I still pick up a few CD’s a month it seems.
MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment?
Ozric Tents.
MSJ: Finally, are there any closing thoughts you'd like to get out there?
Thanks for listening Gary, and to all those out there hearing Echo Us for the first time- or perhaps revisiting- All the best!
 
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